WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE A WILL?
If you are single, your assets will be distributed to your children, if you have any, or to your parents, siblings, or other relatives. If you have specific wishes for the distribution of your assets or for the care of your grandchildren, it is important to make a will to ensure those wishes will be carried out.
Estate Planning
What is a will?
Beneficiaries
Guardian for your minor children
Executor/Personal Representative
You may nominate a person to manage your assets; pay any debts, expenses, and taxes due; and then distribute assets to your beneficiaries. This person serves a crucial and time-consuming role, so you should choose your personal representative carefully.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW?
Power of Attorney
By giving someone power of attorney, you designate that person to make decisions for you and your property if you are incapacitated. For example, if you are in a long-term care facility, someone with your power of attorney could sell your car for you or manage your bank account. Often, power of attorney is delegated to a spouse or a close friend.
These can be simple things like the sale of a car while you are in a long-term care facility if the car is only in your name, not you and your spouse, or your best friend needs to handle your bank account for you.
Health Care Power of Attorney
If you become severely injured or incapacitated, or both, you may want to designate a spouse or friend to make health care decisions for you. Your doctor may know what is best for you medically, but your spouse or friend is more likely to know what your personal decision would be.
We can handle a basic Will, Power of Attorney, and Health Care Power of Attorney. Trusts and more complicated estate planning situations are also possibilities. Call us today to discuss your estate planning needs.